Write for the Judge and Jury

    第四部分：要為法官和陪審團考慮

    31. Assume the reader is a knowledgeable layman. If your writing is so clear that a layman could understand it， then it is less likely it will end up in court.

    要假設合同的讀者是一個受過教育的外行，如果你書寫的合同簡明得連一個外行都能理解，那么即使到了法庭上，，你也不用害怕。

    32. Define a word by capitalizing it and putting it in quotes. Capitalizing a word indicates that you intend it to have a special meaning. The following are two sample clauses for defining terms：

    Wherever used in this contract， the word "Goods" shall mean the goods that Buyer has agreed to purchase from Seller under this contract.Buyer hereby agrees to purchase from Seller ten （10） frying pans， hereinafter called the "Goods."

    強調一個合同術語可以這樣做：加上雙引號并將其開頭的字母大寫。將一個詞語的開頭字母大寫表明你想讓它有一個特別的意思。下面有兩個定義術語的例子：

    一。本合同中使用的“貨物”（"Goods"）是指買方已經同意向賣方購買的貨物；

    二。本合同中買方同意向賣方購買的拾（10）只平底鍋，即下文中的“貨物”（"Goods"）。

    33. Define words when first used. Instead of writing a section of definitions at the beginning or end of a contract， consider defining terms and concepts as they first appear in the contract. This will make it easier for the reader to follow.

    第一次使用某個術語時就要下定義。定義合同術語不是在合同的開頭，也不是在合同的結尾，而是在這個術語第一次出現的時候，這樣做，有利于讀者更好地理解合同。

    34. Explain technical terms and concepts. Remember that the parties might understand technical jargon， but the judge and jury who interpret and apply the contract do not. Therefore， explain the contract‘s terms and concepts within the contract itself. Let the contract speak for itself from within its four corners.

    勤于解釋合同中的術語和概念。要記住合同雙方的當事人可能會理解合同中某些專用術語，但法官和陪審團卻可能一無所知。所以撰寫合同時要讓合同自己為自己釋義。